8 months ago
Congress Plans Protests Against VB-G RAM G
There's a big argument between the BJP and Congress about a new law called VB-G RAM G, which replaces an older law called MGNREGA.
The BJP says the new law is better because it gives more work days and reduces corruption.
The Congress says the new law takes away people's right to jobs and makes it harder for local governments to help.
The BJP also says the Congress is just upset because the new law has the name 'Ram' in it.
The Congress is planning big protests to try to get the new law removed.
They are also getting ready for local elections and have a meeting planned to talk about their plans.
The Congress wants to protect the old law and is asking for fresh elections in Manipur.
Congress plans nationwide protests against VB-G RAM G, starting January 10, 2025.
TPCC to hold a meeting on January 8 to finalize protest roadmap and strategies for upcoming local body elections.
Congress opposes the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the MGNREGA scheme, calling it a 'conspiratorial' move by the Centre.
AICC forms a Special Coordination Committee, led by Seethakka, to oversee the MGNREGA Bachao Sangram protest.
Congress demands dissolution of Manipur Assembly and fresh elections, criticizing the BJP-led government for replacing MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G.
- Who
- BJP and Congress leaders, including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Siddaramaiah, Giriraj Singh, Revanth Reddy, Meenakshi Natarajan, B Mahesh Kumar Goud, Seethakka, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, Okram Ibobi Singh, K Meghachandra
- What
- Political debate over the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G and Congress plans for protests and civic polls
- Where
- India (national level), Hyderabad, Imphal
- When
- January 4, 2025 (debate ongoing), January 8, 2025 (meeting), January 10, 2025 (protest begins)
- Why
- Disagreement over the effectiveness and impact of the new scheme on rural employment and governance, and preparation for civic polls
BJP
Congress
Scheme Effectiveness
BJP
VB-G RAM G is better, ensures 125 days of work, and reduces corruption.
Congress
MGNREGA provided right to jobs and empowered panchayats, VB-G RAM G removes these benefits.
Corruption Allegations
BJP
MGNREGA was rife with corruption, with over 10.51 lakh complaints.
Congress
No direct counter to corruption claims, focuses on rights and governance.
Financial Allocation
BJP
Rs 1,51,282 crore allocated for VB-G RAM G, with Rs 95,600 crore from the Centre.
Congress
VB-G RAM G adds financial burden to states without consultation.
Key facts
- VB-G RAM G Allocation
- Rs 1,51,282 crore (Rs 95,600 crore from Centre)
- MGNREGA Complaints
- Over 10.51 lakh under social audits
- MGNREGA Funding (UPA)
- Over Rs 2 lakh crore
- MGNREGA Funding (NDA)
- Over Rs 8.48 lakh crore
- MGNREGA Workers
- 12.16 crore (6.21 crore women, 17% SC, 11% ST)
Timeline
India boosts MGNREGA, adds forest fire projects.
Then, water conservation projects follow.
Government unveils VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025.
BJP-Congress clash erupts over MGNREGA replacement.
BJP defends, Congress plans protests.
Quotes
Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka
All India Congress Committee (AICC) in charge of Manipur
“Recently, the MGNREGA Act was abolished and replaced with a new Act called VB–GRAMG. In the Congress Working Committee meeting, we discussed holding nationwide protests for the next 45 days. To initiate the process, we have come here for a preparatory meeting and discussions with party leaders on how to plan the protest.”
assamtribune.com
“Our position is very clear. We want fresh elections to be held in Manipur so that democratically elected representatives chosen by the people can form the government, and the whole problem will be sorted out.”
assamtribune.com
B Mahesh Kumar Goud
TPCC President
“The party would strongly oppose the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the historic scheme, which he described as a 'conspiratorial' move by the Centre.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Govt defends 'New Rural Employment Scheme', slams Congress over 'misleading campaign'
BJP Mobilises Cadre Across Nation To Defend VB-G-RAM-G Bill As Opposition Targets Law
TPCC has an ace up its sleeve for civic polls; to hold meet on Jan 8
AICC braces for MGNREGA protest; entrusts crucial role to Seethakka
AICC in-charge Ulaka demands dissolution of Manipur Assembly, calls for fresh polls
VB-G RAM G better scheme than MGNREGA; Cong spreading misinformation: Chouhan
Congress forms coordination committee for ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ campaign
Scrap VB-G RAM G act, bring back MGNREGA: CM
‘Congress has problem with Lord Ram’: Giriraj on opposition to VB-G RAM G scheme
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